Shutter speed question

[jim67]

At what shutter speed should a camera no longer be held ?

[Hermeto]

There is no strict value.
Minimum shutter speed for avoiding camera motion blur depends on many factors – focal length being the most important, I guess.

Reciprocal of the focal length, multiplied by FOV crop factor, rounded to smaller value, should be a good starting point.
IE: For 100mm lens, go for 1/100s on the full frame camera.
For 1.6 crop camera go for 1/100x1.6 = 1/160s, rounded to 1/200s.

If you add Sex, Drugs & Rock’n Roll to the equation, everything looks different, though.. :cool:

[Curtis N]

The ability to hold the camera steady varies tremendously from one person to the next. There are also plenty of other variables.

As Hermeto mentioned, longer lenses require faster shutter speeds. But the formula really is a personal thing. Practice and experiment a lot, and analyze your shots. When you see motion blur, look at the focal length and shutter speed. You'll come to your own conclusions soon enough.

[PhotoJourno]

It all depends on how well you adjust the lugnut before using the camera.

Usually I follow the same rules as Hermeeeto just listed above.

On my 24-105mm lens, I try not to shoot less than 1/25 handheld at 24mm, and 1/125 at 105mm.

The one rule to always be sure: If you are already doubting, and using low speeds (Low speed is anything around the mm's of focal length you are shooting with (say 1/40 with a 50mm or even 1/60 to be sure), get a tripod or a monopod.

Anyhow, Hermeto's rule of thumb is what I have known all my life, and it's worked.

[theflyingkiwi]

You must hold the camera at a shutter speed of no less than 1/500s :) :lol:

just kidding.

The ability to hold the camera steady varies tremendously from one person to the next. There are also plenty of other variables.

As Hermeto mentioned, longer lenses require faster shutter speeds. But the formula really is a personal thing. Practice and experiment a lot, and analyze your shots. When you see motion blur, look at the focal length and shutter speed. You'll come to your own conclusions soon enough.

what he said. This is what I did and in some ways even tho I think I am using the correct shutter speed I still find that I get some blurry shots. However at the same time I also get some good ones.

this is the case of practice makes perfect. esp when going slow.

[jim67]

Thank you for your advice.

[ryant35]

I can usually hold my camera steady at 1/25 sec, but I have to shoot a burst to get a couple of sharp shots.

I've been able to hold steady with a 70-200 f/2.8 IS at 1/15 sec, ISO 800. It was pretty dark.